Osage orange - Maclura pomifera (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Osage orange

Also known as: Hedge, Monkey Brains, Mock-Orange, Monkey ball, Hedge apple

Osage orange is generally used in dye making and pesticide manufacturing. It is also planted as a windbreaker or as a hedge plant and can provide adequate shade in gardens. The fruits produce latex secretions, and they're not typically eaten by foraging animals. The warty fruits are green at first, but they become orange-yellow afterward.

Scientific classification

Species

Osage orange (Maclura pomifera)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

8 m to 20 m

Plant Height

12 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Green, Yellow, Gold

Fruit Color

Green, Yellow

Flower Color

Brown, Orange, Green, Gray, Silver

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Images of Osage orange

Attributes of Osage orange

Growth Rate

With a 'Moderate' growth rate, osage orange's development is steady during 'Spring, Summer' seasons. Its growth speed allows the methodical production of distinctive hedge apple fruits and dense foliage. Observable height increase aligns with its specified growth rate. Infrequent variations occur.

Distribution of Osage orange

Distribution Map

Osage orange is native to the woodlands, savannas and pastures of many states in the US. It has been introduced to other US states, Argentina, and some countries in Eurasia. The plant is grown ornamentally in the US where it is used for hedging.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woods, fields, thickets

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

The osage orange tree is grown for its utility as a dense, thorny privacy hedge, its ability to tolerate a wide variety of soil types, and its durability. By far its commonest use is in garden and property hedgerows, where its stout thorns are a good substitute for barbed wire. It is also sometimes used as a specimen tree.

Symbolism

Protection, loneliness, the need to belong

Interesting Facts

Osage orange is not an edible fruit and is only distantly related to oranges. However, early American settlers once used this bush as a hedge. The dense hedge would form new shoots at its base, which were woven into the hedges branches to create a thick, living fence. This would prevent animals from entering the garden.

Name Story

Osage orange: Although it has orange in its name, it is actually a distant relative to orange. As for the origin of osage, just like it was recorded in Meriwether Lewis's diary in 1804, Osage comes from the Osage Native Americans. They were the earliest ones to discover this plant, so it is called Osage orange.

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Quickly Identify Osage orange

Large, spherical fruits up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter, resembling oranges but inedible.

Distinctive orange-brown to gray-brown stem bark with zigzag pattern and stout spines.

Shiny dark-green lanceolate leaves, 2 1/2 to 5 inches (6.5 to 12.7 cm) long.

Rugged, deeply furrowed trunk with orange-brown coloration and ridged bark.

Milky sap oozes from stem and leaves when cut, aiding in identification.

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Care Guide for Osage orange

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Osage orange thrives in moderate moisture and exhibits drought resilience, adapting to North America's prairies. Watering should occur every 1-2 weeks. This outdoor plant has a strong root system that extracts water from deep soil layers, making it less reliant on frequent watering.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of osage orange, use a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer in early spring, switching to high nitrogen during active growth. Apply quarterly, reducing in fall. Distribute evenly around the drip line, watering thoroughly. Follow local guidelines to avoid over-fertilization and wear gloves for safety.

Pruning: Osage orange features thorny branches and dense foliage. Pruning in early spring enhances shape and removes dead wood. Thin overcrowded branches for better air circulation and sunlight. Clean, sharp tools should be used to minimize damage and prevent disease.

Propagation: Osage orange can be propagated via hardwood cuttings, air layering, and sowing seeds, with autumn and winter being ideal seasons. Its propagation difficulty is medium, and success is marked by new root and shoot growth. Use healthy parent plants and maintain suitable soil moisture.

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Images of Osage orange

Attributes of Osage orange

Distribution of Osage orange

Culture

Quickly Identify Osage orange

Care Guide for Osage orange

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